How good are the government subsidies? I know they just took effect in the past couple of months with the stimulus package, but I wasn't sure how much they really brought down the cost.

My fiancee got laid off back in January, and at that time, it would have cost her $500+ to continue coverage on COBRA. Fortunately, my employer allowed me to add her to my benefits as a "domestic partner" until we're married, bringing the cost down to $150 or so. If that weren't an option, I don't think we could have afforded COBRA for more than a couple of months.

Really, COBRA subsidy isn't the answer -- universal healthcare (not tied to employment) is. I wish Congress would just accept that fact and do what needs to be done.